Mustangs headed back to state semifinals

The Lakewood Ranch High baseball team is headed back to the state semifinals for the first time since 2003 when the Mustangs won the program’s first state title.

Behind the arm of senior Seth McGarry, the Mustangs defeated Winter Haven 4-1 in the Class 6A-Region 3 finals May 11.

McGarry pitched his first complete game of the season for Lakewood, allowing one run on one hit and three walks while striking out eight.

Lakewood took a 3-0 lead in the bottom of the first inning when catcher Tyler Dauphinee hit a double to drive in Justin Greenaway, Zack Larson and Brandon King, who all drew walks.

The Devils scored their lone run in the top of the third inning on a wild pitch.
Lakewood responded in the bottom of the sixth inning on a solo home run by Bryan Vanvranken to seal the victory for the Mustangs.

Vanvranken went 1-for-1 with a home run, two walks, a RBI and two runs scored and Dauphinee went 1-for-3 with a double and three RBIs to lead the way for the Mustangs at the plate.

With the win, Lakewood will travel to Port St. Lucie to face Archbishop Edward A. McCarthy in the Class 6A state semifinals May 17.  

For a complete story on Lakewood Ranch's regional championship pick up the May 17 issue of the East County Observer.